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Homemade Quick Chicken Tikka Masala recipe photo

Quick Chicken Tikka Masala

A quick, stovetop chicken tikka masala with a creamy tomato sauce ready in about 30 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 inch knob ginger, peeled about 1 to 1 1/2 inches
  • 4 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 1/2 large yellow onion, peeled
  • 1 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts diced into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp garam masala spice blend divided (see notes)
  • salt to taste and 1 tsp for chicken
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil divided
  • 1 Tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper more or less to taste
  • 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt see notes (fat-free or other)
  • 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup cilantro leaves for topping

Equipment

  • food processor or knife
  • Large Skillet
  • Spatula or tongs
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Measuring Cups

Method
 

  1. Pulse the peeled ginger and garlic in a food processor until finely chopped, then add the peeled onion and pulse until finely chopped as well; alternatively finely mince by hand.
  2. Toss the diced chicken with 1 1/2 tsp garam masala and 1 tsp salt until evenly coated.
  3. Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the chicken in a single layer, and cook, turning once, until cooked through about 6–7 minutes total; transfer the chicken to a plate.
  4. Heat the remaining 1 Tbsp olive oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat, add the chopped onion mixture, and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
  5. Add the tomato paste, the remaining 1 Tbsp garam masala, paprika, and cayenne; cook while stirring constantly for about 30 seconds to toast the spices.
  6. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, season with additional salt to taste, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is hot and slightly thickened, about 2 minutes (longer if tomatoes are watery).
  7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and cook for 1 more minute to heat through.
  8. Remove the pan from the heat, stir in the Greek yogurt and lemon juice until smooth, then taste and adjust seasoning.
  9. Serve warm over basmati rice and sprinkle with cilantro leaves.

Notes

  • Make the recommended garam masala by whisking cumin, coriander, black pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  • For a richer sauce, substitute 1/4 cup heavy cream for 1/4 cup of the yogurt.
  • If canned tomatoes are watery, simmer longer to thicken.
  • If tomatoes are very thick, add a few tablespoons of water to thin the sauce.